EXPLORE DETECTIONS
Windows Modify Registry Disable Windows Security Center Notif
The following analytic detects modifications to the Windows registry aimed at disabling Windows Security Center notifications. It leverages data from the Endpoint.Registry datamodel, specifically monitoring changes to the registry path "*\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\ImmersiveShell\\UseActionCenterExperience*" with a value of "0x00000000". This activity is significant as it can indicate an attempt by adversaries or malware, such as Azorult, to evade defenses by suppressing critical update notifications. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to persist undetected, potentially leading to further exploitation and compromise of the host system.
Windows Modify Registry DisableRemoteDesktopAntiAlias
The following analytic detects modifications to the Windows registry key "DisableRemoteDesktopAntiAlias" with a value set to 0x00000001. This detection leverages data from the Endpoint datamodel, specifically monitoring changes in the Registry node. This activity is significant as it may indicate the presence of DarkGate malware, which alters this registry setting to enhance its remote desktop capabilities. If confirmed malicious, this modification could allow an attacker to maintain persistence and control over the compromised host, potentially leading to further exploitation and data exfiltration.
Windows Modify Registry DisableSecuritySettings
The following analytic detects modifications to the Windows registry that disable security settings for Terminal Services. It leverages the Endpoint data model, specifically monitoring changes to the registry path associated with Terminal Services security settings. This activity is significant because altering these settings can weaken the security posture of Remote Desktop Services, potentially allowing unauthorized remote access. If confirmed malicious, such modifications could enable attackers to gain persistent remote access to the system, facilitating further exploitation and data exfiltration.
Windows Modify Registry Disabling WER Settings
The following analytic detects modifications in the Windows registry to disable Windows Error Reporting (WER) settings. It leverages data from the Endpoint.Registry datamodel, specifically monitoring changes to registry paths related to WER with a value set to "0x00000001". This activity is significant as adversaries may disable WER to suppress error notifications, hiding the presence of malicious activities. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to operate undetected, potentially leading to prolonged persistence and further exploitation within the environment.
Windows Modify Registry DisAllow Windows App
The following analytic detects modifications to the Windows registry aimed at preventing the execution of specific computer programs. It leverages data from the Endpoint.Registry datamodel, focusing on changes to the registry path "*\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\Explorer\\DisallowRun*" with a value of "0x00000001". This activity is significant as it can indicate an attempt to disable security tools, a tactic used by malware like Azorult. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to evade detection and maintain persistence on the compromised host.
Windows Modify Registry Do Not Connect To Win Update
The following analytic detects a suspicious modification to the Windows registry that disables automatic updates. It leverages data from the Endpoint datamodel, specifically monitoring changes to the registry path "*\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\WindowsUpdate\\DoNotConnectToWindowsUpdateInternetLocations" with a value of "0x00000001". This activity is significant as it can be used by adversaries, including malware like RedLine Stealer, to evade detection and prevent the system from receiving critical updates. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to exploit vulnerabilities, persist in the environment, and potentially deploy additional payloads.
Windows Modify Registry DontShowUI
The following analytic detects modifications to the Windows Error Reporting registry key "DontShowUI" to suppress error reporting dialogs. It leverages data from the Endpoint datamodel's Registry node to identify changes where the registry value is set to 0x00000001. This activity is significant as it is commonly associated with DarkGate malware, which uses this modification to avoid detection during its installation. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to maintain a low profile, avoiding user alerts and potentially enabling further malicious activities without user intervention.
Windows Modify Registry EnableLinkedConnections
The following analytic detects a suspicious modification to the Windows registry setting for EnableLinkedConnections. It leverages data from the Endpoint.Registry datamodel to identify changes where the registry path is "*\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\System\\EnableLinkedConnections" and the value is set to "0x00000001". This activity is significant because enabling linked connections can allow network shares to be accessed with both standard and administrator-level privileges, a technique often abused by malware like BlackByte ransomware. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive network resources, escalating the attacker's privileges.
Windows Modify Registry LongPathsEnabled
The following analytic detects a modification to the Windows registry setting "LongPathsEnabled," which allows file paths longer than 260 characters. This detection leverages data from the Endpoint.Registry datamodel, focusing on changes to the specific registry path and value. This activity is significant because adversaries, including malware like BlackByte, exploit this setting to bypass file path limitations, potentially aiding in evasion techniques. If confirmed malicious, this modification could facilitate the execution of long-path payloads, aiding in persistence and further system compromise.
Windows Modify Registry MaxConnectionPerServer
The following analytic identifies a suspicious modification of the Windows registry setting for max connections per server. It detects changes to specific registry paths using data from the Endpoint.Registry datamodel. This activity is significant because altering this setting can be exploited by attackers to increase the number of concurrent connections to a remote server, potentially facilitating DDoS attacks or enabling more effective lateral movement within a compromised network. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to network disruption or further compromise of additional systems.
Windows Modify Registry No Auto Reboot With Logon User
The following analytic detects a suspicious modification to the Windows registry that disables automatic reboot with a logged-on user. This detection leverages the Endpoint data model to identify changes to the registry path `SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU\NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers` with a value of `0x00000001`. This activity is significant as it is commonly used by adversaries, including malware like RedLine Stealer, to evade detection and maintain persistence. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to bypass security measures and deploy additional payloads without interruption.
Windows Modify Registry No Auto Update
The following analytic identifies a suspicious modification to the Windows registry that disables automatic updates. It detects changes to the registry path `SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU\NoAutoUpdate` with a value of `0x00000001`. This activity is significant as it is commonly used by adversaries, including malware like RedLine Stealer, to evade detection and maintain persistence. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to bypass security updates, leaving the system vulnerable to further exploitation and potential zero-day attacks.
Windows Modify Registry NoChangingWallPaper
The following analytic detects modifications to the Windows registry aimed at preventing wallpaper changes. It leverages data from the Endpoint.Registry datamodel, specifically monitoring changes to the "NoChangingWallPaper" registry value. This activity is significant as it is a known tactic used by Rhysida ransomware to enforce a malicious wallpaper, thereby limiting user control over system settings. If confirmed malicious, this registry change could indicate a ransomware infection, leading to further system compromise and user disruption.
Windows Modify Registry on Smart Card Group Policy
This analytic is developed to detect suspicious registry modifications targeting the "scforceoption" key. Altering this key enforces smart card login for all users, potentially disrupting normal access methods. Unauthorized changes to this setting could indicate an attempt to restrict access or force a specific authentication method, possibly signifying malicious intent to manipulate system security protocols.
Windows Modify Registry ProxyEnable
The following analytic detects modifications to the Windows registry key "ProxyEnable" to enable proxy settings. It leverages data from the Endpoint.Registry datamodel, specifically monitoring changes to the "Internet Settings\ProxyEnable" registry path. This activity is significant as it is commonly exploited by malware and adversaries to establish proxy communication, potentially connecting to malicious Command and Control (C2) servers. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to redirect network traffic through a proxy, facilitating unauthorized communication and data exfiltration, thereby compromising the security of the affected host.
Windows Modify Registry ProxyServer
The following analytic detects modifications to the Windows registry key for setting up a proxy server. It leverages data from the Endpoint.Registry datamodel, focusing on changes to the "Internet Settings\\ProxyServer" registry path. This activity is significant as it can indicate malware or adversaries configuring a proxy to facilitate unauthorized communication with Command and Control (C2) servers. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to establish persistent, covert channels for data exfiltration or further exploitation of the compromised host.
Windows Modify Registry Qakbot Binary Data Registry
The following analytic detects the creation of a suspicious registry entry by Qakbot malware, characterized by 8 random registry value names with encrypted binary data. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on registry modifications under the "SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\" path by processes like explorer.exe. This activity is significant as it indicates potential Qakbot infection, which uses the registry to store malicious code or configuration data. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to maintain persistence and execute arbitrary code on the compromised system.
Windows Modify Registry Regedit Silent Reg Import
The following analytic detects the modification of the Windows registry using the regedit.exe application with the silent mode parameter. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and command-line executions. This activity is significant because the silent mode allows registry changes without user confirmation, which can be exploited by adversaries to import malicious registry settings. If confirmed malicious, this could enable attackers to persist in the environment, escalate privileges, or manipulate system configurations, leading to potential system compromise.
Windows Modify Registry Risk Behavior
The following analytic identifies instances where three or more distinct registry modification events associated with MITRE ATT&CK Technique T1112 are detected. It leverages data from the Risk data model in Splunk, focusing on registry-related sources and MITRE technique annotations. This activity is significant because multiple registry modifications can indicate an attempt to persist, hide malicious configurations, or erase forensic evidence. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to maintain persistent access, execute malicious code, and evade detection, posing a severe threat to the integrity and security of the affected host.
Windows Modify Registry Suppress Win Defender Notif
The following analytic detects modifications in the Windows registry to suppress Windows Defender notifications. It leverages data from the Endpoint.Registry datamodel, specifically targeting changes to the "Notification_Suppress" registry value. This activity is significant because adversaries, including those deploying Azorult malware, use this technique to bypass Windows Defender and disable critical notifications. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to evade detection, maintain persistence, and execute further malicious activities without alerting the user or security tools.
Windows Modify Registry Tamper Protection
The following analytic detects a suspicious modification to the Windows Defender Tamper Protection registry setting. It leverages data from the Endpoint datamodel, specifically targeting changes where the registry path is set to disable Tamper Protection. This activity is significant because disabling Tamper Protection can allow adversaries to make further undetected changes to Windows Defender settings, potentially leading to reduced security on the system. If confirmed malicious, this could enable attackers to evade detection, persist in the environment, and execute further malicious activities without interference from Windows Defender.
Windows Modify Registry to Add or Modify Firewall Rule
The following analytic detects a potential addition or modification of firewall rules, signaling possible configuration changes or security policy adjustments. It tracks commands such as netsh advfirewall firewall add rule and netsh advfirewall firewall set rule, which may indicate attempts to alter network access controls. Monitoring these actions ensures the integrity of firewall settings and helps prevent unauthorized network access.
Windows Modify Registry UpdateServiceUrlAlternate
The following analytic detects a suspicious modification to the Windows Update configuration registry key, specifically targeting the UpdateServiceUrlAlternate setting. It leverages data from the Endpoint.Registry datamodel to identify changes to this registry path. This activity is significant because adversaries, including malware like RedLine Stealer, exploit this technique to bypass detection and deploy additional payloads. If confirmed malicious, this modification could allow attackers to redirect update services, potentially leading to the execution of malicious code, further system compromise, and persistent evasion of security defenses.
Windows Modify Registry USeWuServer
The following analytic detects a suspicious modification to the Windows Update configuration registry key "UseWUServer." It leverages data from the Endpoint.Registry data model to identify changes where the registry value is set to "0x00000001." This activity is significant because it is commonly used by adversaries, including malware like RedLine Stealer, to bypass detection mechanisms and potentially exploit zero-day vulnerabilities. If confirmed malicious, this modification could allow attackers to evade defenses, persist on the target host, and deploy additional malicious payloads.